pointers in C

I have a little problem. way back in high school I took java, and never had to deal with these little things. now, at college, they're making me take C. I don't have anything against it, its just that.. well I'm not entirely sure what pointers are used for, or what they accomplish. would anyone care to elighten me?

OP, by the time you finish learning C everything will make sense and you will feel silly for having made this post.  just wait.

also, I've never used Java, but doesn't it have pointers too?